Iain Dowie: Nine games to save Hull from relegation

Iain Dowie knows he will have to overcome the odds if he is to save Hull from relegation â but the new Tigers boss insists he wants to stay at the KC Stadium for the long term.

" />Iain Dowie has been appointed as Hull City’s new manager

The 45-year-old was yesterday unveiled as the successor to Phil Brown , who was axed on Monday with the club second from bottom in the Premier League following last weekendâs injury-time defeat by Arsenal.

It marks a return to the game for the former QPR and Crystal Palace manager, who was last involved in football as Alan Shearer âs No.2 at Newcastle at the end of last season.

Dowieâs brief is to preserve Hullâs top-flight status and he starts his reign with a visit to Portsmouth â who are all but relegated after being deducted nine points for going into administration. But the new man on Humberside insists he wants more than just a short stay at the helm.

âIâd like to see my future here for the long term,â he said. âItâs about me producing results â that is the game we are in.â

Chairman Adam Pearson replaced Brown after a dreadful run of just one win in their last 16 matches.

And, like Dowie, he too hopes the agreement will be extended.

Pearson added: âItâs a short-term contract with options on both sides.âBut itâs a very permanent move. Iâm expecting Iain to make a difference here, Iâm expecting him to keep us in the Premier League and Iâm expecting to sit down with him and sort out a full-time contract on May 15.â

Dowie has brought in Tim Flowers and Steve Wigley to assist him and likes what he has found at the KC Stadium, adding: âI see a good mixture of experience and energy but also people who care about the club.â